My pet peeve with dive instruction

[ucfdiver]

These are screen shots from the SSI nitrox dvd that is used to supposedly train divers.

I really don't understand the logic behind these gear setups
1- you're gauges are NOT a plow, don't drag them dangling behind you beating against rocks and damaging the reef. Clip them across your body. I personally prefer high up on my right chest so I can glance down at it at any time.

2- What sense does it make to place your BACKUP 2nd stage away from your mouth? Spend 5 minutes and put it on a necklace where it's easy to access

3- This isn't easily seen in these screen shots, but stop having a dive knife contest with Crocodile Dundee. Your dive knife is mainly there to cut you out of fishing line and rope. Place a small one on your BC on top of your inflater hose where you can easily get to it, and use a snorkel strap to keep it from falling out. Keep a letter opener in your pocket for backup. Besides, placing a knife on your leg is placing it as far away from easy access as possible.

4- Stop weighting yourself so heavy that you nearly stand straight up in the water.

If there's a reason things are setup like this, please share it with me, I can't figure it out.

 

[TimAZ]

Yep, there's another SSI video with a shot at odds with the "don't touch" policy I teach.

 

[fisherdvm]

That was one of the first thing I noted watching the SSI OW training video. Actually, I was watching it with my son. I told him, that is what you are not supposed to do, kicking the fan corals; just hope that those are students, and not the course director and his instructors.

 

[Ber Rabbit]

You should see the NAUI Risk Awareness video...yikes! It does give me a chance to show my students what I don't want them to look like when they are done with the course though.
Ber :lilbunny:

 

[fisherdvm]

Now, only place where I find it acceptable to be overweighted, and kicking the bottom is in a drift dive specialty video - where you purposely overweight yourself to keep on the bottom in a very fast flowing river or current. But I would make sure my gears are a little better secured.

 

[wdearn]

I agree with securing gauges but it is personal preference where to put knife and backup second stage some people don't want it on a necklace since if another diver needs it you can pass it to them and if on a necklace you would have to share your primary.

 

[fisherdvm]

Rubber necklaces are sold for $5.00 at many dive shops - in black, yellow, blue and pink. They are releasable and can be passed off to a buddy or janked off your neck with a simple tug.

 

[jpsexton]

I don't think SSI has a monopoly on bad video examples. I've seen other agency videos that are just as bad or worse! :11:

 

[fisherdvm]

I don't think SSI has a monopoly on bad video examples. I've seen other agency videos that are just as bad or worse! :11:

You're probably right. I've almost every videos that PADI make, I am sure that I'd find troubling issues as well, just can't seem to remember a particular one right now.

I just hate the PADI music and all the marketing stuff they pack into every training video.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

The only proper way to watch a PADI video is after 3-4 good stiff drinks. Then they are funny! If you sober, they are so stupid as to be painful and pretty much worthless.